address, aka the return address, comes first and is placed on the left hand side if you're using full block format or right hand if you're using modified block format. directly beneath your address, put the date on which the letter was written. beneath the date, put the name and address of the person you're writing to, as it would appear on an envelope. after the address, leave a line space and write "dear..." as appropriate. follow this with a colon. the body of the letter is left-aligned and has single spacing between lines and a blank line (with no indent) before each new paragraph. the closing should be left aligned for full block format or on the right for modified block format. put several blank lines (to sign your name) after the "yours, sincerely," (if you know the person) or "yours, faithfully," (if you don't know the person), then type your name. your name and signature are left aligned for full block and right for modified block.